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Bearing Witness

Posted by Liz Weaver on May 8, 2018

The Suncor Energy Foundation (SEF) regularly convenes key strategic partners to consider current and future trends impacting our connected worlds.  There are four outcomes for this gathering: 

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Nurturing Context Experts: Building a Network of Non-Traditional Leaders

Posted by Phyllis Alexander and Hasshan Batts on May 4, 2018

January 2018 marked the launch of an innovative new approach to mobilizing non-traditional leaders – those context experts whose wisdom, knowledge and action is essential to the success of any sustainable community change effort.  Leadership Without Limits (LWL) was created in response to the observation made by Promise Neighborhood of the Lehigh Valley (PNLV) that “the leaders we have are not the leaders we need and do not represent the community.”  LWL has been designed to address this leadership gap by preparing emerging leaders to lead effectively with integrity in this 21st century multi-cultural society.

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The (Mostly) Certitudes of Change

Posted by Tom Klaus on December 8, 2017

All things considered, I prefer sameness in my personal life. Okay, actually, I really like the comfort of my personal routine when I am at home.

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A Practical Guide for Consensus-Based Decision Making

Posted by Jim Madden on November 17, 2017

What makes some group efforts so much more effective and satisfying than others? Why do some group decisions enjoy strong buy-in and follow through, and produce tangible results, whereas others fall flat right out of the gate?

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Leadership Training for Effective Partnerships

Posted by Jocelyne Daw on October 31, 2017

Partnerships and collective impact initiatives are multiplying in Canada, as cross-sectorial collaborators come together to positively advance impact on complex social issues.  Partnerships offer the potential for outcomes bigger than any one organization could achieve on their own. Done well, such collaborations enable innovation, create greater value and strengthen commitments from a broader range of people, perspectives and organizations. But success is not always guaranteed.  Like anything that delivers great results, collaboration takes hard work, flexibility AND courage. The people involved in making partnerships happen are key to partnering success.  How do they build knowledge and skills and possess the tools and insights to deliver positive partnering results?

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Collaborative Thinking about Collaboration - A New Tool

Posted by Mark Holmgren on October 27, 2017

I imagine the majority of us value collaboration. We believe that doing it increases impact, fosters innovation, and is especially called for when it comes to effecting large-scale systemic change (or transformational change). Many say collaboration is more efficient than disconnected social change or social service efforts.

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